The Washington Post reports House Republicans are turning their focus to gas prices as Congress returns to Washington. The House will vote this week on a measure to require approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, marking the fourth time the House has voted to advance the jobs and energy project. In addition, the Energy and Power Subcommittee will take up a pair of bills seeking to increase American energy production and reduce the layers of red tape contributing to higher prices at the pump....

In the Weekly Republican Address, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) criticized the president for his backwards energy policy, stating, "The president rejected the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have decreased our dependence on oil from unstable regions of the world. And heavy-handed federal agencies are adding new layers of regulations on the energy sector, pushing prices only higher." Upton offered an alternative approach that focuses on expanded energy development, job creation, and greater energy security under House Republicans' American Energy Initiative, which he said is "a better solution to power our future." To watch the full weekly address, click here.

Free of the GOP presidential primaries that frequently forced their agenda onto the sidelines in favor of social issues, congressional Republicans return to Washington on Monday refocusing on bread-and-butter matters, particularly high gasoline prices.

Returning from a two-week break Monday, House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) wants the spring legislative session to focus on several bills to allow more domestic energy exploration, believing that the issue has become an Achilles' heel for President Obama. â€¦

Starting this week, the House GOP will try to push a temporary highway funding bill that includes mandatory approval of construction of the Keystone energy pipeline, setting up a negotiation showdown with the Senate. In addition, committees are moving bills that would freeze regulations on refineries and also forbid Obama from releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to keep costs down, a move that Republicans say would only be done for political expediency as the November election draws near. â€¦

The government needs to reduce red tape and costly regulations, which are hindering domestic energy exploration and driving up gas prices, said Rep. Fred Upton, R - St. Joseph and chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

"Last year we produced 100 million barrels less on federal lands than we did the year before. The president rejected the Keystone XL pipeline, which would have decreased our dependence on oil from unstable regions of the world. And heavy-handed federal agencies are adding new layers of regulations on the energy sector, pushing prices only higher," he said, giving the Republican weekly address.

"In many ways this administration's policies are moving us backwards, and making gas prices even worse." â€¦

Upton said his committee was considering measures, including one that would push the "pause button" on costly new regulations affecting refineries until their impact on prices at the pump can be studied.

"Cutting through the red tape is part of the equation, but we have to address supply. President Obama tapped into our emergency oil supply -- known as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve -- last year, and he's thinking about doing it again. But that is not a real solution to rising gas prices," he said.

Another bill under consideration would require the president to open up more federal land for energy development if he releases oil from the strategic reserves.

Republicans say the House has passed several energy bills, which remain stalled in the Democratic-controlled Senateâ€¦

â€¦Upton, in the weekly Republican media address, said President Obama's energy policies were contributing to higher gas pricesâ€¦.

The congressman called on Obama and Senate Democrats to support measures on drilling and refinery regulationâ€¦

"Today we're knocking at the door of a brighter energy future, one that promises abundant, secure and cheaper North American supplies, as long as Washington doesn't create artificial obstacles," Upton said.

"That is what Republicans are working toward, and we invite the president to join us. If he won't lead, we will."